Saint Gregory the Great
Background
"Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God for love, and that complete human fulfillment only comes about when we make a sincere gift of ourselves to others. The family is the privileged setting where every person learns to give and receive love. That is why the Church constantly wishes to demonstrate her pastoral concern for this reality, so basic for the human person. This is what she teaches in her Magisterium: 'God, who is love and who created man and woman for love, has called them to love.' By creating man and woman he called them to an intimate communion of life and love in Marriage. ‘So they are no longer two but one flesh’ (Mt 19:6)." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Compendium, 337).
Action
Aging Issues
- Fill out a Catholic Living Will and discuss your wishes with your family
- Host a Living Will workshop at your parish
- Volunteer at a local nursing home
- Host an Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias Educational Seminar (presentations available in English and Spanish)
Resources
Links
Marriage and Family
Christopher West and Theology of the Body
USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth
USCCB: For Your Marriage
Diocese of Orlando Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Repeated Social Teaching
Community and Participation - The mystery of the Trinity involves the relationship of complete love among three divine persons in one God. As people made in God’s image, we must model divine love and know that the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
